Information for term Teach in South Korea Basics
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDo you already have teaching credentials or TEFL certification?
If so, this may be the program for you. You’ll get all the great benefits of our Teach in South Korea program - support from CIEE, generous pay, rent-free housing, subsidized health insurance, and even airfare - and without the TEFL certification course, the program fee is lower. Teaching placements are at private and public institutions across the country - giving you a close-up look at South Korean customs and culture.
No teaching credentials? Check out Teach in South Korea.
| Term | Start Date | Deadline | Duration | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2 Semester | August/September | February 1 | 12 months | 2,100,000-2,700,000 won (approx. $1,900-2,400)/month plus housing |
| Spring 2 Semester | February | September 1 | 12 months | 2,100,000-2,700,000 won (approx. $1,900-2,400)/month plus housing |
About Our Program Fees
CIEE, a non-profit organization, has been sending university graduates abroad to teach English since 1997. Our Basics program in South Korea includes orientation in Seoul, emergency insurance, and a high level of support throughout your experience (see all features below). To cover those costs, there is a program fee of $1,350. Once we accept your application, there is a $500 deposit to reserve your spot and start your job search. The second and final payment ($850) is due a few months later after you accept a job offer from a Korean school. CIEE alumni receive a 5% discount!
What's included
Click to OpenWhat's included
- Job placement
- Pre-departure assistance – including visa assistance
- One year of iNext international insurance with 24-hour emergency assistance services
- Support and advice from CIEE representatives in Korea
- Orientation weekend in Seoul
- Airport pickup and transport to your assignment on arrival
- Contract completion bonus equal to one month's salary
The Destination
Click to Open
The Destination
Participants are placed in cities and suburban areas throughout South Korea. Teaching assignments are available in the Seoul metropolitan area, but they are often more competitive and are not always available to inexperienced teachers.
Many teachers are placed in the following cities:
- Busan, the country’s second-largest city, draws many international conventions and foreign visitors.
- Ulsan, on the south-eastern coast, is an industrial powerhouse with the energy of a robust economy.
- Daegu enjoys a subtropical climate ideal for producing high-quality apples, thus its nickname, "Apple City.” It is also a notable center for Korean fashion.
- Daejeon, in the center of the country, has 18 universities and is a center of advanced technology.
- Gwangju is another large, culturally rich city in the south of the country.
- The greater Seoul area is one of the largest metropolitan disctricts in the world and includes the nearby cities of Bucheon, Incheon, Suwon City, Gunpo, and Namyangju.
- Each year, we have other interesting locations not included on this list!
The Take-Aways
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Compensation
Rent-free housing with basic amenities, competitive salary, airfare, South Korean-national medical insurance benefits.
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Preparation
Detailed pre-departure guides on topics like phones, cultural differences and advice from former teachers, plus an orientation and networking weekend in Seoul.
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Assistance
Pre-departure guidance, international medical insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance with CIEE iNext, in-country support from resident staff members.
Job Description
Click to OpenJob Description
With CIEE in South Korea, you have the opportunity to teach English in a society that's eager to learn the language. It’s a culture where academic achievement is highly valued, and you’re sure to encounter enthusiastic students!
First-year teachers in South Korea will work with young children, but you'll be surprised by how advanced they are! If you’re excited to be a language and cultural ambassador for South Korea’s youngest learners, you’re sure to succeed.
CIEE places English teachers at two types of schools in South Korea: Public and Private. Most Korean students attend both types of schools to help them meet high expectations for educational achievement.
Read on to learn more and find out which type is the best fit for you! If you’re not sure which one you’re qualified for, don’t hesitate to give us a call – we’re happy to help you.
Compensation & Benefits
Regardless of the type of school where you are placed, the Teach in Korea program offers an outstanding package when it comes to salary and benefits.
You will earn 2,100,000-2,700,000 won (approx. $1,900-2,400) per month and receive rent-free housing from your school. You’ll have a small deduction each month for Korean taxes, but you’ll be enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance which delivers excellent care at very low prices. There’s also a contract completion bonus equal to one month’s salary at the end of your program.
These high wages will let you save large amounts of money each month instead of spending it on rent and transportation!
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EPIK Public Schools
CIEE is proud to partner with the EPIK public school program sponsored by the Korean government. EPIK offers 12 month contracts starting either in late February or late August each year.
Teachers at public schools work side-by-side with a Korean co-teacher most of the time, although they still have full responsibility for the class. They normally have 20-25 teaching hours each week, not counting prep time, meetings or free periods at their school. A typical contract offers 20-25 vacation days per year on a fixed schedule. Class sizes are usually 20-30 students.
If you’re planning to apply to public schools, there are additional application materials you’ll need to prepare. Submit your CIEE Teach Abroad application as soon as you can to give yourself plenty of time, and be sure to discuss EPIK’s instructions for letters with your recommenders. EPIK applicants must have their bachelor’s degree in their physical possession no later than May 30th for Fall departures or January 1st for Spring departures. If the degree is in a field other than Education, they must also have a valid teacher’s license or have completed a TEFL/TESOL certification at least two weeks prior to the start date.
EPIK assigns candidates to a province or metro area before departure. Specific school assignments within those areas are not made until the end of the in-country orientation. EPIK will reimburse teachers for one-way airfare to Korea with their first paycheck.
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Private Schools
Private schools offer more control over location, as well as more flexibility around start dates. Most teachers start their 12 month contracts in July, August, September, or February, but a few positions are available outside of those peak months.
These schools often have schedules in the afternoon or evening, to allow students to attend classes after they finish their public school day. This means that most teachers will work hours like 11-7 or 2-10 at least a few days per week.
Participants at private schools are lead teachers with full responsibility for their classes. They have a heavier workload: 30 classroom teaching hours each week, not counting prep time, meetings or other obligations like lunch supervision. A typical contract offers 10-15 vacation days per year on a fixed schedule. Class sizes are smaller than public schools, usually 8-15 students.
Private schools are more flexible about eligibility requirements than public schools; they may accept applications from candidates with substantial teaching experience even if they don’t have TEFL or an education degree.
Qualifications
Click to OpenTEFL Certification
Click to OpenOur Team
Click to OpenOur Team
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Bradley Brennan
In-Country Support
Brad has been supporting CIEE teachers in Korea since 2014. Originally from Tacoma, WA, Brad has lived and taught in Korea for more than 12 years.
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Katherine MacColl
Senior Coordinator
After graduating from college, Katy taught in a small Thai village for two years and then in Turkey for two more years. Katy is proud to help others on their own international journeys.
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Yumi Ko
Placement Coordinator
Yumi has been helping CIEE applicants find teaching positions at reputable South Korean schools since 2012.
Ready to change your life?
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